Genes and
Neural Circuits for Innate Behaviors in Fruit Flies
Drosophila offers a model genetic system with a complex, interesting
behavioral repertoire and a powerful armamentarium of tools for
both forward and reverse genetic analysis. We are interested in
taking an unbiased genetic approach towards mapping neural circuits
involved in innate behaviors in the fly. Together with Seymour
Benzer, we have established an assay for an "alarm substance"
released by flies when subjected to mechanical stress. We are
carrying out both "cell ablation screens," to identify
neurons required for this behavior, and genetic screens to identify
genes required for this behavior. Our aim is to make these approaches
converge to understand how, where and when genes act to control
the development or function of these circuits, and thereby affect
behavior.
Recent Publications
Suh, G.S., Ben-Tabou de Leon, S., Tanimoto, H., Fiala, A., Benzer, S., and Anderson, D.J. (2007). Light activation of an innate olfactory avoidance response in Drosophila. Current Biology 17, 905-908. [Pubmed]
Suh, G. S., Wong, A. M., Hergarden, A. C., Wang, J. W., Simon, A. F., Benzer, S., Axel, R. and Anderson, D. J. (2004). A single population of olfactory sensory neurons mediates an innate avoidance behaviour in Drosophila. Nature 431, 854-9.
[Pubmed] [F1000 factor 4.8] [see commentary]
